Dress Barn

Dress Barn, a well-established name in American women's fashion, has transitioned from a bustling physical presence to a solely online operation. Founded in 1962 by Roslyn Jaffe in Stamford, Connecticut, the brand quickly became a fixture in suburban shopping centers and malls throughout the United States. By the mid-2000s, Dress Barn had expanded to over 800 stores, serving women who valued affordable and stylish clothing for both work and everyday wear.

In 2011, Dress Barn became part of Ascena Retail Group, aligning with other well-known brands like Ann Taylor and Lane Bryant. However, as the retail landscape evolved and mall traffic declined, Ascena decided to close all Dress Barn stores, completing the process by December 2019. Shortly thereafter, in January 2020, Retail Ecommerce Ventures acquired Dress Barn and relaunched it as an online-only retailer.

As of November 2025, Dress Barn operates without any physical locations, focusing entirely on its digital storefront. The company now ships nationwide from its base in Boca Raton, Florida, and has streamlined its operations by outsourcing and managing functions remotely. This shift from a traditional retail model to an e-commerce platform highlights the changing dynamics of retail real estate, as Dress Barn no longer seeks new store locations or leases. The brand's enduring reputation and successful adaptation to a digital format make it a significant example of retail evolution in the modern era.